In 1998 We purchased the "Bad Cad", a 1960 custom Cadillac which followed the Winston Eagle Hydroplane racing team. It was purchased in Seattle and shipped to Florida. I am trying to find more information on the Bad Cad, so if anyone has any information or ideas as to where I may find any information on the car, please let me know. I am attaching a photo collage.
About four weeks ago I was able (with a few friends) to locate the first of a series of inboard hydroplanes built in Sweden. It was built in 1963/64 and based on a design by Ron Jones Sr. It was powered by a Volvo 4-cylinder engine souped up to about 135 hp. It was raced in the 1800cc class and was able to reach speeds around 70 knots. This boat was found in a barn where it has been sitting since 1967. Rear cowling, engine cowling and the engine is missing but otherwise it is in not too bad condition. My plan is to restore the boat and race it once again.
As a fan and participant of "Live Theatre" for many years, I have experienced several moments where a particular performance is just "magical". The kind of show where everyone nails their lines, hit all their marks. The lighting and the set just looks right together. After a few scenes you realize that the audience is just eating it up. The audience can't quite explain it, but they know that whatever they're seeing is cool beyond belief.
Found some footage from 1964 on an episode of "Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea" on HULU.com. The episode is titled "Time Bomb" and the racing scenes start around the 30 min. mark. Some of the hydros are Miss Exide, Mariner Too, The 4-seat Tempo, 1964 Miss Budweiser, Savair's Mist and the Miss Madison. The episode is stupid but the racing footage is pretty good. Take a look.
Hi. Just found this promotion for Mobiloil in a technical magazine in Sweden in 1955. This is nice showing that the unlimited hydroplanes were famous in Sweden even though we didn´t have unlimited in Sweden. Since I have been furtunate to meet Ron Jones Jr last year at the Hydroplane Museeum this is special to me.... Hope to be back soon...
This newly-revised Museum web site kicked off on October 19h 2010. We are now up to 423 "members", from all over the U.S. and even International. It is an amazing "blog", with lots of photos, videos, and hydro racing history. It also provides the ability to follow all of the Museum restoration progress. But it is important to point out that the 423 are members of the "blog" and not literally members of the Museum itself. Museum membership indicates financial support, which helps us pay the bills and keeps us afloat.
I had a bit of an awakening this morning. Two of them actually. the first was the early (0530) arrival of a young man, 17 years of age, that I've taken under my wing during some difficult times. Divorce, problems with relationships, court orders, etc... I've known him since he came home next door a few days after his birth. His dad rolled him over in a stroller and introduced us. He and I have been close ever since... Including the current period as I help him work through family issues and some other difficulties that i'm sure some of us have gone through. He is a great kid.